Statement of Goals and Purposes

I. Statement of Goals and Purposes

The Department of Justice asset forfeiture program has three primary goals: (1) to punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used or acquired through illegal activities; (2) to enhance cooperation among foreign, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies through the equitable sharing of assets recovered through this program; and, as a by-product; (3) to produce revenues to enhance forfeitures and strengthen law enforcement.

To meet these goals it is essential that the program be administered in a fiscally responsible manner which will minimize the costs incurred by the United States while maximizing the impact on criminal enterprises. Moreover, the integrity of the entire forfeiture program depends upon the faithful stewardship of forfeited property and the proceeds thereof.

The Law Enforcement Coordinating Committees shall promote and facilitate the Department of Justice forfeiture program with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

These Guidelines are not intended to create or confer any rights, privileges or benefits on prospective or actual claimants, defendants or petitioners. Likewise, they are not intended to have the force of law. See United States v. Caceres, 440 U.S. 741 (1979).

Last reviewed October 2024